With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Criminal Rape Case Against La Luz Del Mundo’s ‘Apostle’ Dismissed
This picture taken on August 9, 2017 shows the leader of the Church of the Light of the World, Naason Joaquin Garcia, walking among his parishioners in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images
()
The criminal case against a Mexican megachurch leader on charges of child rape and human trafficking was dismissed today on procedural grounds by a California appeals court.
Naasón Joaquín García, the self-proclaimed “apostle” of La Luz del Mundo, or The Light of the World Church, has been in custody since June.
He was arrested based on accusations made by three girls and one woman in Los Angeles County who told California’s Department of Justice they were abused by Garcia between 2015 and 2018. The California Attorney General’s office claimed Garcia used his power as the leader of the Light of the World Church to cooerce teenage girls into sex acts.
But the appeals court ruled that because García's preliminary hearing was not held in a timely manner, the complaint filed against him must be dismissed.
Support for LAist comes from
“This is a good day for justice,” said Alan Jackson, Garcia’s lead attorney. “This is a long overdue recognition that the government has violated Mr. Garcia’s constitutional right to a speedy trial and reasonable bond.”
Throughout the pre-trial proceedings, Garcia has denied wrongdoing. He has also remained the spiritual leader of La Luz Del Mundo, with full backing from church officials. La Luz Del Mundo is estimated to have as many as 5 million members around the globe, and dozens of temples here in Southern California.
Garcia is currently being held without bail in Los Angeles. It is not clear when he will be released.
Garcia has three co-defendants in his criminal case, but it’s unclear if their cases will also be tossed out.
In February, a former church member from Los Angeles filed a federal civil lawsuit against the church and García, accusing Garcia and his father of manipulating and sexually abusing her for years.
Martin’s attorney, Deborah Mallgrave, says Tuesday’s court opinion addresses a procedural technicality, but doesn’t judge Garcia’s guilt or innocence.
“It does nothing to change the fact that for years, as the leader of the La Luz del Mundo, he sexually, physically and emotionally abused hundreds of minors and adults,” Mallgrave said
Support for LAist comes from
The California Attorney General's office did not respond to KPCC’s request for comment.
- La Luz Del Mundo's 'Apostle' Faces Sexual Abuse Charges. Why That Has Rattled Many In LA
- Former La Luz Del Mundo Member Alleges The Church Ran Child Sex Slavery Ring
This story will be updated.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist